Method and kit for communication using a leg covering

ABSTRACT

A method and kit for communication using a leg covering. The method includes: selecting a one or more graphical displays presenting a desired message; removably coupling the graphical display via a coupling mechanism to a thigh portion of a leg covering normally covered by another article of clothing; and selectably displaying the graphical display. The one or more graphical displays may comprise a game; evoke a particular emotional response; include textual or graphical images; and/or may comprise a color contrasting to the leg covering. The kit for communication using a leg covering includes a leg covering and a communication system which includes: one or more graphical displays and a coupling mechanism. The one or more graphical displays may be removably coupled to a portion of the leg covering selected from the groups consisting of: a thigh portion, a calf portion, a shin portion, and a knee portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/754,758 filed on Dec. 28, 2005,which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods and devices of communicationusing articles of clothing, specifically leg coverings.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, T-shirts, pants, shoes, and other articles ofclothing are often used to communicate messages. This communicating isoften accomplished via graphical displays of pictures, logos, text,words, and/or any combination thereof. The messages communicated areoften related to advertising or promoting a certain brand-name ofclothing. Typically, a graphical display or text message on clothingdoes not communicate the feelings and/or desires of the user of theclothing. In some instances, however, a person may buy clothing with amessage and/or graphical display that communicates a person's desiredmessage.

Leg coverings are not typically used to communicate a message to others,and therefore, typically do not contain any type of graphical displayand/or messages. Furthermore, the graphical displays and/or messages onleg coverings, like socks, are mainly directed toward brand names,company logos, and/or promoting the brand of the product. Additionally,these graphical displays are typically sew into the leg coverings orotherwise coupled to the leg covering in such a way that precludes easyremoval of the graphical display by a user.

Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples include but arenot limited to the references described below, which references areincorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,445, issued to Matthews, discloses a panty legattachment device, a panty garment combined with the device, and apanty/combination leg covering garment utilizing the device enables thesecurement of the open end of a tubular leg covering garment to a legopening of a panty garment. The device in one embodiment is formed froma panty inner band with first and second sides, the first inner bandside affixed to the panty garment inner side and the second inner bandside having securing means in the form of tape segments positionedthereon. A panty outer band having first and second sides has its secondside secured to the panty garment outer side and carries a scallopeddecorative edge along its perimeter. A tubular leg covering garmentelastic band with first and second sides is secured along its first sideto the first inner band side at the leg garment open end and the secondside has a plush covering releasably securable to the panty garmentsecond inner band tape segments which cooperate to hold the leg coveringgarment in a substantially fixed relationship with the panty, while thepanty and leg covering garment are being worn. Another embodimentincludes a foldable elastic segment secured to the leg opening of thepanty garment which form inner and outer bands that cooperate to graspthe tubular leg covering garment elastic band which carry tape segmentswith microfine hook fasteners positioned thereon. The attachment devicesecures the panty garment leg opening to the open end of the tubular legcovering garment and conceals the secured ends from view to form afashionable garment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,248 issued to Mayer, discloses a Greeting card inwhich portions of messages are obscured by one or more detachablecovers, so that the messages are revealed when the covers are moved.

U.S. Design Pat. No. USD493,031, issued to Thomas, discloses anornamental design for a leg covering for a human's legs, as shown anddescribed.

U.S. Design Pat. No. USD500,918, issued to Thomas, discloses anornamental design for a leg covering for a human's legs, as shown anddescribed.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantageswhich include: having no graphical display and/or design, having noeasily removable graphical display and/or design, not communicating amessage via the leg covering, and/or so forth.

What is needed is a method and kit of communication using a leg coveringthat solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one ormore problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the artupon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable leg coverings. Accordingly, the present invention has beendeveloped to provide a method and/or kit of communication using a legcovering that can be used in any type of leg covering, such as, but notlimited to, panty hose, knee-high socks, and/or so forth. The presentinvention has further been developed to provide an easily detachablemeans of communication via a leg covering; allowing a user to mix andmatch different messages and/or graphical displays. The presentinvention enables a user to easily attach and/or remove a graphicaldisplay from a leg covering.

In one embodiment there is a method for communication using a legcovering which may comprise: selecting a graphical display presenting adesired message; removably coupling the graphical display via a couplingmechanism to a thigh portion of a leg covering normally covered byanother article of clothing; and/or selectably displaying the graphicaldisplay. The method may further include selecting a plurality ofgraphical displays and/or removably coupling a plurality of graphicaldisplays to a leg a covering. Additionally, the method may comprise agame. The method may further include the use of panty hose as a legcovering.

In another embodiment, the method may include a coupling mechanism,configured to couple a graphical display to a leg covering. The couplingmechanism may include a hook and/or loop mechanism. The graphicaldisplay may be configured to cause a particular emotional response.Additionally, the graphical display may include text and/or a colorcontrasting the color of the leg covering. Further, the plurality ofgraphical displays may be removably coupled to a portion of the legcovering selected from the group consisting of: a thigh portion, a kneeportion, a calf portion, and/or a shin portion.

In yet another embodiment, the method for communication using a legcovering may comprise: wearing a leg covering including a graphicaldisplay which may be easily removably couplable to the thigh portion ofthe leg covering; and/or selectably covering and/or uncovering thegraphical display. The method may further include selecting a pluralityof graphical displays and/or removably coupling a plurality of graphicaldisplays.

In still another embodiment, there is a kit for communication using aleg covering which may comprise: a leg covering, configured to fit overa user's leg; and/or a communication system. The communication systemmay include: a graphical display removably couplable to the leg coveringat a location un-coverably covered by an article of clothing; and/or acoupling mechanism, configured to removably couple the graphical displayto the leg covering. The kit may further include a graphical displaywhich may be removably couplable to the thigh portion of the legcovering.

In another embodiment, the kit for communication using a leg coveringmay include a plurality of graphical displays removably couplable to theleg covering. Additionally, the plurality of graphical displays maycomprise a game. Further, the leg covering may be panty hose and/or thecoupling mechanism may include a hook and/or loop.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawing(s). Understanding that thesedrawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the method for communication using aleg covering, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the method for communication using aleg covering, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the method for communicationusing a leg covering, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is block diagram of a kit for communication using a leg covering,according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, orcomponent parts of the same or different illustrated invention.Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, fortwo or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features arerelated, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,”or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optionalfeatures, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of anyother statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identicallanguage characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodimentis identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment isindependent of any other embodiments characterized by the language“another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to beable to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claimsand/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly orexplicitly.

Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, doesnot appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, suchas is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience forthe reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this applicationto incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like,at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible andappropriate.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

As shown by the figures, the illustrated method for communication 100using a leg covering 110 includes steps of: selecting a graphicaldisplay 120 presenting a desired message 510; removably coupling thegraphical display 120 via a coupling mechanism 310 to a thigh portion130 of a leg covering 110 normally covered by another article ofclothing 210, 520; and selectably displaying the graphical display 120,530. The leg covering 110 may be any type of leg covering contemplatedin the art, such as, but not limited to: panty hose 110, knee highsocks, socks, thermal underwear, underwear extendable over a person'sthigh, pants, leggings, and/or so forth. Indeed, any type of clothingand/or garment covering any part of the leg may be used. The legcovering 110 may be any type of color and/or size.

Additionally, shown in the figures, the illustrated method forcommunication 100 using a leg covering 110 includes selecting agraphical display 120 presenting a message. The graphical display 120may include a drawing, picture, art, and/or or some other type ofartistic or visual message and/or image. Some non-limiting examples ofgraphical displays include: a heart, an animal, a balloon, a trafficsign, and/or so forth. Alternatively, the graphical display 120 mayinclude a logo or some form of text. Some non-limiting examples include:names; proper nouns; commands, such as, but not limited to, stop, go,kneel, sit, and/or so forth. Further, the graphical display 120 mayinclude a combination of text and visual art. Additionally, thegraphical display may include a variety of colors. In anotherembodiment, the graphical display comprises a color contrasting thecolor of the leg covering.

In another embodiment, the graphical display 120 is configured to causea particular emotional response from either a wearer of the graphicaldisplay 120 or other person who views the graphical display 120. Somenon-limiting examples of an emotional response include: happiness,sadness, excitement, intimacy, erotic feeling, and/or so forth.

In still another embodiment, the graphical display 120 displays aninterest of the wearer. Some non-limiting examples of these graphicaldisplays include: characters such as but not limited to Scooby-Doo(owned by Cartoon Network®); animals, such as, but not limited to:butterflies, horses, unicorns, etc.; musical notes showing an interestin music; a musical instrument showing an interest in a particularinstrument; a trademark; a slogan; a political statement; a religiousstatement; a social statement; and/or so forth.

In another embodiment, the graphical display 120 is used to convey anemotion. Some non-limiting examples of these graphical displays include:a face showing an emotion; an emotive word or words such as but notlimited to “happy,” “sad,” “go away,” and/or so forth.

In still another embodiment, the graphical display is used to create avalentine and/or a romantic message. Some non-limiting examples thesegraphical displays include: hearts having one or more messages thereonsuch as but not limited to “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” and/or “I'm Yours.”Moreover, the graphical display 120 may be configured to communicate asexual message, such as but not limited to a provocative phrase, type,color, style, and/or so forth.

In yet another embodiment, the method for communication using a legcovering 110 includes selecting a plurality of graphical displays 120and removably coupling a plurality of graphical displays 120 to a legcovering 110. The plurality of graphical displays 120 may includegraphical displays 120 similar in size, appearance, and/or color.Conversely, the plurality of graphical displays 120 may be different inappearance, size, and/or color. Indeed, the plurality of graphicaldisplays 120 may include any similarity and/or difference contemplatedin the art. Additionally, the plurality of graphical displays 120 mayinclude one or more pairs of graphical displays which are oppositeand/or showing opposing images. Further, there may be a set of graphicalimages each showing an aspect of a group, such as, but not limited to: aset of emotive images, a set of letter, a set of interests, and/or soforth.

Additionally illustrated by the figures, the method for communicationusing a leg covering 110 includes removably coupling a graphical display120 to a thigh portion 130 of a leg covering 110. In being removablycoupled to a thigh portion 130 of a leg covering 110, the thigh portion130 may be any place along the thigh portion 130 of a leg covering 110.The thigh portion 130 includes from a person's hip to a person's knee;both on the inner thigh and the outer thigh.

Additionally, as shown by the figures, the illustrated method forcommunication 100 using a leg covering 110 comprises a plurality ofgraphical displays 120 removably coupled to a portion of the legcovering 110 selected from the group consisting of: a thigh portion 130,a knee portion 140, a calf portion 150, and a shin portion 160. Indeed,the plurality of graphical displays 120 may be mixed and matched on oneor all of the above portions of the leg covering 110.

In still another embodiment, the method for communication 100 using aleg covering 110 comprises a game. One skilled in the art wouldrecognize there are multitude of different games that may be developedusing a leg covering 110 and one or more graphical displays 120. In somenon-limiting examples, the game may be of a sensual and/or erotic natureor may be whimsical and/or satirical. In one non-limiting example, thegame includes a plurality of graphical displays 120 removably coupled tothe leg covering 110, wherein each graphical display 120 includes and/orinstigates a question and/or action for a game player. If a game playermakes a correct response then he or she is allowed to move to the nextgraphical display 120. Additionally, in association with a game, thegraphical display 120 may comprise stop and/or go signs; yes and/or nosigns; numbers; letters; signals; awards; penalties; selectablydisplayable images; electronic displays; random image displays; and/orso forth.

Also shown by FIG. 3, the illustrated method for communication 100 usinga leg covering 110 includes a coupling mechanism 310 which is configuredto easily removably couple one or more graphical displays 120 to a legcovering 110. A person skilled in the art would recognize there is amultitude of coupling mechanisms 310 available to easily removablycouple one or more graphical displays 120 to a leg covering 110. Somenon-limiting examples include: hook and loop, a velcro-like mechanism,an easily detachable adhesive substance, a snap, a button, and/or soforth. In enabling the one or more graphical displays 120 to be easilyremovably couplable to a leg covering 110, the coupling mechanism 310should not require extensive stitching and/or sewing; but rather enablea user, with minimal effort, to remove and/or replace one or moregraphical displays 120 on a leg covering 110.

In yet another embodiment, there is a method for communication 100 usinga leg covering 110 comprising: wearing a leg covering 110 including agraphical display 120 easily removably couplable to the thigh portion130 of the leg covering 610; and selectably covering and uncovering thegraphical display 120, 620. The leg covering 110 may include any type ofleg covering 110 contemplated in the art and/or as described previously.

In still another embodiment, the method for communication 100 using aleg covering 110 includes a game. A person skilled in the art wouldrealize there is a multitude of games conceivable as described above.

In another embodiment, the method for communication 100 using a legcovering 110 may include selecting a plurality of graphical displays 120and removably coupling the plurality of graphical displays 120 to a legcovering 110. The one or more graphical displays 120 may be removablycoupled to a leg covering 110 in any manner contemplated in the artand/or as described previously. A person skilled the art would recognizethere multitude of different combinations, sizes, and/or appearance ofgraphical displays 120 that are available to removably couple to a legcovering 110.

As illustrated by FIG. 4, there is a kit 400 for communication using aleg covering 110 comprising: a leg covering 110, configured to fit overa user's leg 320; and a communication system 410. The communicationsystem 410 includes: a graphical display 120 removably couplable to theleg covering 110 at a location un-coverably covered by an article ofclothing 210; and a coupling mechanism 310, configured to removablycouple the graphical display 120 to the leg covering 110. The legcovering 110 may be any type of leg covering contemplated in the artand/or as described previously.

Additionally, as shown in the figures, the kit 400 for communicationusing a leg covering 110 includes a graphical display 120 which isremovably couplable to the thigh portion 130 of a leg covering 110. Thethigh portion 130 includes any meaning contemplated in the art and/or asdescribed previously. The kit 400 further includes a plurality ofgraphical displays 120. The plurality of graphical displays 120 may beany type of graphical display contemplated in the art and/or asdescribed previously. The one or more graphical displays 120 maycomprise a game of any type contemplated in the art and/or as describedpreviously.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the kit 400 for communication using a legcovering 110 further includes a coupling mechanism 310, configured toremovably couple the graphical display 120 to the leg covering 110. Oneskilled in the art would recognize there is a multitude of couplingmechanisms 310 available to removably couple the graphical display 120to a leg covering 110 and/or other coupling mechanisms 310 as describedpreviously.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate panty hose as a legcovering 110, any type of leg covering may be used as described herein.It is also envisioned that the kit 400 for communication using a legcovering 110 may be packaged in a variety of ways. One skilled in theart would realize there is a multitude of ways in which a kit 400 may bepackaged and/or assembled. Some non-limiting examples of packaginginclude: boxes, bags, and/or so forth. Further, it is envisioned the kit400 may be packaged with a variety of types, numbers, and/or colors ofleg coverings 110 and/or graphical displays 120.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design ofthis invention. An example is that the coloring of a leg covering 110may be any color, size, and/or type.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may beconstructed of a variety of materials. Some non-limiting examples ofmaterials of leg coverings 110 include: nylon, cloth, wool, cotton,polyester, and/or combinations thereof. Some non-limiting examples ofgraphical display 120 materials include: plastic, cloth, ceramic, paper,ink, and/or so forth.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A method for communicating using a leg covering, comprising the stepsof: selecting a graphical display presenting a desired message;removably coupling the graphical display via a coupling mechanism to athigh portion of a leg covering normally covered by another article ofclothing; and selectably displaying the graphical display.
 2. The methodfor communication of claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting aplurality of graphical displays; and removably coupling the plurality ofgraphical displays.
 3. The method for communicating using a leg coveringof claim 2, wherein the plurality of graphical displays comprises agame.
 4. The method for communicating using a leg covering of claim 1,wherein the leg covering comprises panty hose.
 5. The method forcommunicating using a leg covering of claim 1, wherein the couplingmechanism includes hook and loop.
 6. The method for communicating usinga leg covering of claim 1, wherein the graphical display is configuredto cause a particular emotional response.
 7. The method forcommunicating using a leg covering of claim 1, wherein the graphicaldisplay includes text.
 8. The method for communicating using a legcovering of claim 1, wherein the graphical display comprises a colorcontrasting the color of the leg covering.
 9. The method forcommunicating using a leg covering of claim 2, wherein the plurality ofgraphical displays are removably coupled to a portion of the legcovering selected from the group consisting of: a thigh portion, a calfportion, a shin portion, and a knee portion.
 10. A method forcommunicating using a leg covering comprising the steps of: wearing aleg covering including a graphical display easily removably couplable tothe thigh portion of the leg covering; and selectably covering anduncovering the graphical display.
 11. The method for communicating usinga leg covering of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: selecting aplurality of graphical displays; and removably coupling the plurality ofgraphical displays.
 12. The method for communicating using a legcovering of claim 11, wherein the plurality of graphical displayscomprises a game.
 13. The method for communicating using a leg coveringof claim 10, wherein the leg covering comprises panty hose.
 14. Themethod for communicating using a leg covering of claim 10, wherein thecoupling mechanism includes hook and loop.
 15. A kit for communicating amessage using a leg covering comprising: a leg covering, configured tofit over a user's leg; and a communication system removably coupleableto the leg covering, including: a graphical display removably couplableto the leg covering at a location un-coverably covered by an article ofclothing; and a coupling mechanism, configured to removably couple thegraphical display to the leg covering.
 16. The kit for communicating amessage using a leg covering of claim 15, wherein the graphical displayis removably couplable to the thigh portion of the leg covering.
 17. Thekit for communicating a message using a leg covering of claim 15,further comprising a plurality of graphical displays removably couplableto the leg covering.
 18. The kit for communicating a message using a legcovering of claim 17, wherein the plurality of graphical displayscomprise a game.
 19. The kit for communicating a message using a legcovering of claim 15, wherein the leg covering comprises panty hose. 20.The kit for communicating a message using a leg covering of claim 15,wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a hook and loop.